Alka Chopra Email and Phone Number

 Developing, utilizing and evaluating nutritional assessment plans, education, and follow-up of all patients referred by the Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Developing, administering and supervising nutrition and food skills programs for patients. Scheduling patient consultations and interviews with the patient/family and assesses relevant information to formulate a nutrition care plan. Establishing goal-oriented treatment interventions. Providing nutritional consultative support to health professionals, dietetic interns, community groups, government, media and individuals. Practicing on an individual basis or as a member of an interdisciplinary team to determine nutritional needs of patients. Using and developing reliable and up to date nutrition education resources for patients. Collaborating on patient care for patients with multiple health concerns and assisting with problem solving for complicated patient’s health related issues. Monitoring patient progress and liaising with the multidisciplinary treatment team. Increasing public awareness in relation to nutrition/healthy living through public displays, seminars and liaison with other service providers. Keeping abreast of current knowledge and trends related to dietetics including clinical practice guidelines in order to improve practice outcomes. Acting as a resource within the clinic on nutrition-related issues. Implementing, refining, and monitoring the outcome data for Diabetes Program.

 Providing counseling to clients with diabetes and other chronic diseases in small group and individual sessions.  Developing nutritional care plans taking into account patient’s level of knowledge, readiness, food habits, socio-economic and cultural background. Interpreting laboratory reports for clients keeping in view their literacy levels. Complete flow sheets and related documentation. Interpreting and conveying current scientific information regarding food, nutrition, diet, and health in all aspects of practice. Maintaining accurate patient records and producing necessary consult reports for physicians.

 Screening, prioritizing and processing client referrals, using information obtained through physician, laboratory reports and health records. Interpreting and conveying current scientific information regarding food, nutrition, diet, and health in all aspects of practice. Maintaining accurate patient records and producing necessary consult reports. Developing, evaluating and updating education materials for patients. Developing, implementing, and evaluating group nutrition programs, seminars and workshops for various organizations. Affiliate dietitian for NDC-nutrition at work (EAP services)  Developing, implementing and evaluating individual nutrition care plans, based on best practices and guidelines. Establishing and maintaining liaisons with relevant community groups, agencies, and individuals. Facilitating Chronic Disease and Self-Management Program, Craving Change and Brief Action Planning (BAP) workshops

 Provided leadership in designing, program planning, delivery, monitoring, data collection and evaluation to the Chronic Disease Prevention and Management Program (CDPMP) that included Diabetes Education and the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Exercise Programs. Ensured that the CDPMP Inter-Professional Teams maintain clear, accurate and timely written documentation. This included requisitions, reports, encounters and other information. Ensured that the Inter-Professional Teams in the CDPMP meet the performance targets identified by the Central Local Health Integration Network (CLHIN) and prepare quarterly reports as required. In collaboration with the Programs and Services Director, implemented quality improvement initiatives to ensure effective and efficient delivery of client-centered services and programs that are integrated across the VCHC and the community at large. Supported and managed the Inter-Professional Teams in the CDPMP by conducting quarterly supervision meetings and staff performance appraisals as per VCHC guidelines Ensured that internal processes and policies are followed while coordinating work schedules, timesheets and professional development/time off requests Monitored CDPMP program resources budget lines. Coordinated chart audits for the Centre and ensured that the Inter-Professional Teams in the CDPMP implement the follow-up action items identified in the audit Coordinated the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) services for the Centre Participated in developing funding proposals. Engaged in health promotion activities on and off site in conjunction with other service providers. Monitored the program resources budget line in collaboration with the VCHC Programs and Services Director. Ensured program representation on various chronic disease related networks or coalitions.

Planned, implemented, facilitated, evaluated diabetes group education sessions.Led the development, implementation and evaluation of a diabetes education program with resources focused on clients living with mental health and addiction issues for which a grant was received from Public Health Agency of Canada as mentioned in the previous bullet.Developed and implemented a Seniors wellness training program.Developed and implemented a training program on health and nutrition for a babysitting program. Provided one-on-one counseling to clients with diabetes, developing nutritional care plans for individual clients taking into account patient’s level of knowledge, readiness, food habits, socio-economic and cultural background.Ensured continuity of care by maintaining up-to-date medical records, and monitoring clients on an as-needed basis, participating in chart reviews and discussions of challenging casesDeveloped, evaluated and maintained nutrition education resources and counseling materials resources Assisted in organizing guest speakers for group sessions.Worked with other VCHC staff to outreach identified target populations and secure community locations as host sites for groups and individual counseling.Entered client encounter data on the evaluation software systems.Identified the health needs of clients and various other groups, and using this information to promote the development of programs and services.Participated with other staff and community partners in programs that focus on specific needs identified within the community through planning, outreach, development, implementation and evaluation of appropriate programs.Developed partnerships and alliances to optimize health care service provision and address needs of community.

 Developed, implemented and evaluated individual nutrition care plans, based on best practices and guidelines. Screened, prioritized and processed client referrals, using information obtained through physician, laboratory reports and health records. Developed group nutrition programs, seminars and workshops. Interpreted and conveyed current scientific information regarding food, nutrition, diet, and health in all aspects of practice. Maintained accurate patient records and producing necessary consult reports. Developed, evaluated and updated education materials for patients and health care providers. Provided consultation, training and guidance in nutrition-related matters to staff of the Family Health Team. Established and maintained liaisons with relevant community groups, agencies, and individuals.

 Conducted a needs assessment, developed, planned, implemented and evaluated community health programs for the high need population. Provided thorough nutritional assessment of clients taking into consideration the patient’s level of knowledge and readiness, socio-economic and cultural background.  Developed client centered nutrition care plans.  Ensured continuity of care by maintaining up to date medical records, communication with the client’s primary care provider and other service providers as required.  Regularly monitored clients, participated in chart reviews, and case management.  Engaged in health promotion activities on and off site in conjunction with other service providers.  Encouraged and maintained statistical data for funding purposes.  Participated in clinical care conferences/health team meetings. Maintained and developed professional competence.

 Dietary consultant for the facility. Reviewed the menu revisions upon approval by the Food Committee for the facility. Determined nutritional screening/profile requirements to identify residents at risk. Provided nutritional care including assessments, reassessments and nutritional care plans for residents at nutritional risk. Interpreted and individualized resident’s regular, modified and therapeutic diets and supplemental feeding. Participated in making recommendations at Interdisciplinary Care Reviews as requested, by providing verbal or written input or by delegation to the food service supervisor. Assessment and monitoring of tube feedings. Documented nutrition High-risk quarterlies on Med-e-Care. Provided resource services for the facility. Communicated with the Food Service Manager/Supervisor regarding the nutritional care of all High Risk residents. Submitted a weekly consultant report to the facility Administrator.

 Part Time Professor- Hospitality: Community Health and Wellness Department and Continuing Education Curriculum developer and Trainer for Community Program Initiative: Developed and implemented curriculum and training for food handling in the restaurant industry for youth.